You’ve got the wings ready, the couch is calling your name, and the stakes couldn't be higher. It’s Saturday, January 17, 2026. We are officially in the thick of the NFL Divisional Round. If you're frantically clicking your remote trying to find the kickoff, take a breath.
Today is a double-header that pretty much defines "must-watch" football. We have a clash of generations in the AFC and a bitter, rainy rivalry out West. Honestly, the scheduling this year feels like a gift for anyone who loves a good underdog story—or just wants to see Josh Allen try to leap over a linebacker again.
What Channel Are NFL Games On Today? The Saturday Slate
There are two massive games on the schedule today. You aren't going to find them on the same network, though. The NFL loves to spread the love (and the ad revenue) across the major broadcasters.
Game 1: Buffalo Bills at Denver Broncos
Time: 4:30 PM ET
TV Channel: CBS
Streaming: Paramount+
The early window features the #6 seed Buffalo Bills traveling to Empower Field at Mile High to take on the top-seeded Denver Broncos. It’s wild to see Denver as the #1 seed again, isn't it? Bo Nix has been playing out of his mind, but facing a playoff-hardened Josh Allen is a different beast entirely.
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If you're watching this one, CBS is your home base. If you've ditched cable, Paramount+ is the direct streaming route. Just make sure you’re logged in early because their app can be... let's say "moody" during peak playoff traffic.
Game 2: San Francisco 49ers at Seattle Seahawks
Time: 8:00 PM ET
TV Channel: FOX
Streaming: FOX Sports App, FOX One
The nightcap is a pure NFC West grudge match. The #6 San Francisco 49ers are heading into the "12th Man" territory at Lumen Field to face the #1 seed Seattle Seahawks. Seattle finished the season 14-3, which is just absurd, but Brock Purdy and the Niners have a way of making things ugly for opponents.
Since this is the "Fox Game of the Week" on steroids, expect the full treatment. Kevin Burkhardt and Tom Brady will likely be on the call, and you know the production value will be through the roof.
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Why the Channels Matter This Year
In 2026, where you watch is just as important as when. If you’re used to just flipping through a cable box, you might be surprised by how much the digital side has taken over. For example, if you want to watch the 49ers/Seahawks game in 4K, you basically have to use the FOX Sports app on a compatible device like a Roku or Apple TV.
It’s kinda funny how we used to just turn on the TV and "there it was." Now, you've got to check your subscriptions.
- Paramount+: Essential for the Bills/Broncos game if you don't have an antenna.
- NFL+: This is the league's "catch-all." You can watch on your phone or tablet, but unless you have a specific tier, don't expect to cast it to your big screen easily.
- YouTube TV & Fubo: These are the "safe bets." They carry both CBS and FOX, so you don't have to hop between apps.
How to Handle the "Blackout" Myth
One thing that still trips people up is the idea of local blackouts. For the NFL playoffs, blackouts aren't really a thing in the way they used to be. If the game is on CBS, it’s on CBS nationwide. You don't need a special "out of market" package like Sunday Ticket to see these divisional matchups.
The only "trick" is for cord-cutters using an antenna. If you're far from a signal tower, the 4:30 PM game on CBS might come in a bit fuzzy. It’s always smart to have a backup streaming login from a friend or family member—honestly, we all do it.
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Key Storylines to Keep You Glued to the Screen
While you're settling in, keep an eye on the injury reports that dropped this morning. For the Seattle game, Sam Darnold has been dealing with an oblique issue. Coach Mike Macdonald says he's good to go, but one hard hit from Nick Bosa could change that narrative real quick.
On the San Francisco side, Ricky Pearsall is questionable with that knee. If he can't stretch the field, the Seahawks' secondary—which has been elite all season—is going to sit on those short Christian McCaffrey routes all night long.
Tomorrow’s Preview: Don't Switch Off Yet
If today isn't enough for you, the action continues tomorrow, Sunday, January 18.
- Houston Texans vs. New England Patriots: 3:00 PM ET on ABC/ESPN.
- Los Angeles Rams vs. Chicago Bears: 6:30 PM ET on NBC (and Peacock).
The Chicago game is going to be a madhouse. Caleb Williams in the playoffs at Soldier Field? That’s the kind of atmosphere the NFL dreams about.
Actionable Tips for Game Day
To make sure you don't miss a single snap of the Bills/Broncos or 49ers/Seahawks, follow this quick checklist:
- Update Your Apps Now: If you're using Paramount+ or FOX Sports, open them now. There is nothing worse than a mandatory 400MB update at 4:29 PM.
- Check the Audio: If you have a surround sound setup, the CBS broadcast usually has a better mix for the crowd noise, while FOX tends to pump up the field mics.
- Sync Your Fantasy/Betting Apps: If you’re tracking props on Josh Allen or Kenneth Walker III, set your notifications to "high priority" so you aren't 30 seconds behind the live broadcast.
- Antenna Positioning: If you're using an Over-the-Air (OTA) antenna, Buffalo and Denver fans should aim toward their local CBS affiliate tower to get the lowest latency.
Enjoy the games. This is arguably the best weekend of the entire sports calendar. Stay hydrated, keep the snacks flowing, and let the chaos of the Divisional Round begin.